Choosing a London language school – where to start

If you want to learn English, there's nowhere better to do it than in London. As the capital of the UK, London is historic, vibrant, diverse, and the ideal place to get a better feel of British culture while simultaneously improving your English skills.

There are hundreds of different language schools in London, providing courses to hundreds of thousands of students every year. This means that if you're beginning to choose a London language school, it can be very difficult to know where to start. Here are some pointers to help you choose the right London English school for you:

1. Location, location, location
You'll find language schools in all parts of London, but some areas may be more suitable for your needs and preferences than others. For example, a language school on or near London's Oxford Street will mean you're learning English in the very heart of the capital, with numerous shops, restaurants, theatres and tourist attractions on your doorstep. Or, if you choose a language school in a location like London Bridge, you'll be a little further away from these attractions, but you'll be in an area of London where many locals live and work, so you may gain a more authentic experience from your time in London.

2. Price
Coming to a London language school is rarely cheap, but there are courses available to suit all budgets. A cheaper English course may mean you have a bigger class size and less frequent lessons, so it'll be up to you to make the most of these opportunities and to find other ways of practising your English skills. A more expensive London language school will probably have smaller class sizes and may offer more in the way of extra-curricular activities, so you may feel it's worth the investment.

3. Your language school accommodation
Most language schools in London will offer various accommodation options. Some may have their own accommodation on site or nearby, while others may be able to match you up with host families or other suitable accommodation options in the area. Be sure to think about the kind of accommodation you need. For example, if you're travelling to London on your own, then staying in a student residence or host family would mean you have plenty of opportunities to meet other people and make friends. If your family have come with you while you study at a London language school, then it might be best to find an apartment that you can make your home from home while you're studying.

4. Quality of teaching
This is perhaps the most important criterion. Be sure to find out whether the teachers at your London language school are appropriately qualified and experienced in teaching English to adults. You've invested a lot of money in coming to a London language school, so it's up to you to make sure you get high-quality teaching.

If you're still struggling to decide, why not spend some time on the websites of your preferred language schools? They may have online forums or bulletin boards, which you can use to ask questions of existing students or just to get a sense of how vibrant and supportive student life there may be. You may even be able to find reviews of courses.

Ultimately, only you can choose the right
">London language school for you. However, by following these guidelines, you can be confident of making the right choice.